Barcelona suffers setback as key defender sidelined with hamstring injury

Barcelona confirms that Inigo Martinez has sustained a biceps femoral muscle injury in his right hamstring and will not be available for selection for the time being. Martinez was pulled from the club’s XI against Atletico Madrid on Sunday, being replaced by Andreas Christensen due to an injury during the warm-up. The return date for Martinez has not been provided by the club.

Barcelona had signed Martinez to strengthen their backline in the summer. The 32-year-old has been a key player in Xavi Hernandez’s set-up, making 10 appearances and playing the full 90 minutes in the last five league games for Barcelona. Despite Martinez’s injury, his consistent performance has led to speculation that he may influence the financially troubled club to sell Christensen. It is unclear who Xavi will start in the backline when Barcelona hosts second-placed Girona on Sunday. Marcos Alonso, who deputized as a center-back under Xavi, is also on the sidelines due to back problems.

Barcelona secured important win against Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid had the opportunity to overtake Barcelona in the table when they met at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday. However, Joao Felix, on loan from Barcelona, scored the only goal of the game, giving Atletico a valuable win. Barca is still third in the table with 34 points from 15 matches, while Atletico are fourth with 31 points and have a game in hand over the three teams above them.